Laser desorption/ionization method and mass spectrometry method

ABSTRACT

A laser desorption/ionization method, includes: a first step of preparing a sample support body including a substrate on which plurality of through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface facing each other are formed, and a conductive layer provided on at least the first surface; a second step of mounting a sample on a mounting surface of a mounting portion, and of disposing the sample support body on the sample such that the second surface is in contact with the sample; a third step of introducing a matrix solution into the plurality of through holes; and a fourth step of ionizing a component of the sample that is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through the through hole by irradiating the first surface with laser light while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a laser desorption/ionization method and a mass spectrometry method.

BACKGROUND ART

In the related art, a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) method has been known as a method of ionizing a sample such as a biological sample in order to perform mass spectrometry or the like. The MALDI is a method of ionizing a sample by adding a low-molecular-weight organic compound referred to as a matrix that absorbs laser light into the sample, and by irradiating the sample with laser light. According to such a method, it is possible to ionize a thermally unstable substance or a high-molecular-weight substance in a non-destructive manner (so-called soft ionization).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,978

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

However, in the case of using the MALDI as described above in imaging mass spectrometry of imaging a two-dimensional distribution of molecules configuring a sample, there is a limit to an increase in a resolution of an image.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a laser desorption/ionization method and a mass spectrometry method in which a high-molecular-weight sample can be ionized, and a resolution of an image in imaging mass spectrometry can be improved.

Solution to Problem

A laser desorption/ionization method of one aspect of the present disclosure, includes: a first step of preparing a sample support body including a substrate on which a plurality of through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface facing each other are formed, and a conductive layer provided on at least the first surface; a second step of mounting a sample on a mounting surface of a mounting portion, and of disposing the sample support body on the sample such that the second surface is in contact with the sample; a third step of introducing a matrix solution into the plurality of through holes; and a fourth step of ionizing a component of the sample that is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through the through hole by irradiating the first surface with laser light while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer, in a state in which the sample is disposed between the mounting portion and the sample support body.

In the laser desorption/ionization method, the sample support body is disposed on the sample, and the matrix solution is introduced into the plurality of through holes. The matrix solution is moved to the second surface side from the first surface side through each of the through holes, and is mixed with the component of the sample. The component of the sample is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through each of the through holes. Then, in a case where the first surface is irradiated with the laser light while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer, energy is transmitted to the component of the sample that is moved to the first surface side. Accordingly, the component of the sample is ionized. In the laser desorption/ionization method, the component of the sample is ionized by being mixed with the matrix solution, and thus, it is possible to reliably ionize a component of a high-molecular-weight sample. In addition, the component of the sample is moved to the first surface side through the plurality of through holes. For this reason, in the component of the sample that is moved to the first surface side of the substrate, position information of the sample (two-dimensional distribution information of molecules configuring the sample) is maintained. In such a state, the first surface of the substrate is irradiated with the laser light while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer, and thus, the component of the sample is ionized while the position information of the sample is maintained. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a resolution of an image in imaging mass spectrometry. As described above, according to the laser desorption/ionization method, it is possible to ionize the high-molecular-weight sample and to improve the resolution of the image in the imaging mass spectrometry.

A laser desorption/ionization method of one aspect of the present disclosure, includes: a first step of preparing a sample support body including a substrate on which a plurality of through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface facing each other are formed, and a conductive layer provided on at least the first surface; a second step of introducing a matrix solution into the plurality of through holes; a third step of mounting a sample on a mounting surface of a mounting portion, and of disposing the sample support body on the sample such that the second surface is in contact with the sample; and a fourth step of ionizing a component of the sample that is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through the through hole by irradiating the first surface with laser light while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer, in a state in which the sample is disposed between the mounting portion and the sample support body.

In the laser desorption/ionization method, the sample support body in which the matrix solution is introduced into the plurality of through holes is disposed on the sample. The component of the sample is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through each of the through holes. Then, in a case where the first surface is irradiated with the laser light while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer, energy is transmitted to the component of the sample that is moved to the first surface side. Accordingly, the component of the sample is ionized. In the laser desorption/ionization method, the component of the sample is ionized by being mixed with the matrix solution, and thus, it is possible to reliably ionize a component of a high-molecular-weight sample. In addition, the component of the sample is moved to the first surface side through the plurality of through holes. For this reason, in the component of the sample that is moved to the first surface side of the substrate, position information of the sample (two-dimensional distribution information of molecules configuring the sample) is maintained. In such a state, the first surface of the substrate is irradiated with the laser light while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer, and thus, the component of the sample is ionized while the position information of the sample is maintained. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a resolution of an image in imaging mass spectrometry. As described above, according to the laser desorption/ionization method, it is possible to ionize the high-molecular-weight sample and to improve the resolution of the image in the imaging mass spectrometry.

In the laser desorption/ionization method of one aspect of the present disclosure, in the third step, the matrix solution may be dropped with respect to the plurality of through holes from the first surface side. In this case, it is possible to easily introduce the matrix solution into each of the through holes.

In the laser desorption/ionization method of one aspect of the present disclosure, in the second step, the matrix solution may be dropped with respect to the plurality of through holes from the first surface side or the second surface side. In this case, it is possible to easily introduce the matrix solution into each of the through holes.

In the laser desorption/ionization method of one aspect of the present disclosure, in the second step, the sample support body may be dipped in the matrix solution. In this case, it is possible to easily introduce the matrix solution into each of the through holes.

In the laser desorption/ionization method of one aspect of the present disclosure, the sample may be a dried sample. In such a laser desorption/ionization method, the component of the sample is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved, and thus, even in a case where the sample is the dried sample, it is possible to smoothly move the component of the sample.

A laser desorption/ionization method of one aspect of the present disclosure, includes: a first step of preparing a sample support body including a substrate having conductivity on which a plurality of through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface facing each other are formed; a second step of mounting a sample on a mounting surface of a mounting portion, and of disposing the sample support body on the sample such that the second surface is in contact with the sample; a third step of introducing a matrix solution into the plurality of through holes; and a fourth step of ionizing a component of the sample that is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through the through hole by irradiating the first surface with laser light while a voltage is applied to the substrate, in a state in which the sample is disposed between the mounting portion and the sample support body.

According to the laser desorption/ionization method, it is possible to omit the conductive layer from the sample support body, and to obtain the same effect as that in the case of using the sample support body including the conductive layer as described above.

A laser desorption/ionization method of one aspect of the present disclosure, includes: a first step of preparing a sample support body including a substrate having conductivity on which a plurality of through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface facing each other are formed; a second step of introducing a matrix solution into the plurality of through holes; a third step of mounting a sample on a mounting surface of a mounting portion, and of disposing the sample support body on the sample such that the second surface is in contact with the sample; and a fourth step of ionizing a component of the sample that is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through the through hole by irradiating the first surface with laser light while a voltage is applied to the substrate, in a state in which the sample is disposed between the mounting portion and the sample support body.

According to such a laser desorption/ionization method, it is possible to omit the conductive layer from the sample support body, and to obtain the same effect as that in the case of using the sample support body including the conductive layer as described above.

A mass spectrometry method of one aspect of the present disclosure, includes each of the steps of the laser desorption/ionization method described above; and a fifth step of detecting the component that is ionized in the fourth step.

According to the mass spectrometry method, it is possible to perform imaging mass spectrometry in which a high-molecular-weight sample can be ionized, and a resolution of an image can be improved.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a laser desorption/ionization method and a mass spectrometry method in which a high-molecular-weight sample can be ionized, and a resolution of an image in imaging mass spectrometry can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sample support body that is used in a laser desorption/ionization method and a mass spectrometry method of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the sample support body along line II-II illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged image of a substrate of the sample support body illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating steps of the mass spectrometry method of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the steps of the mass spectrometry method of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the steps of the mass spectrometry method of the first embodiment.

(a) of FIG. 7 is a two-dimensional image according to a mass spectrometry method of a comparative example, and (b) of FIG. 7 is a mass spectrum according to the mass spectrometry method of the comparative example.

(a) of FIG. 8 is a two-dimensional image according to a mass spectrometry method of an example, and (b) of FIG. 8 is a mass spectrum according to the mass spectrometry method of the example.

(a) of FIG. 9 is a two-dimensional image according to a mass spectrometry method of another example, and (b) of FIG. 9 is a mass spectrum according to the mass spectrometry method of another example.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating steps of a mass spectrometry method of a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the steps of the mass spectrometry method of the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, in each of the drawings, the same reference numerals will be applied to the same portions or the corresponding portions, and the repeated description will be omitted.

First Embodiment

First, a sample support body that is used in a laser desorption/ionization method and a mass spectrometry method of a first embodiment and a second embodiment will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a sample support body 1 includes a substrate 2, a frame 3, and a conductive layer 4. The substrate 2 includes a first surface 2 a and a second surface 2 b facing each other. A plurality of through holes 2 c are formed on the substrate 2 uniformly (with a homogeneous distribution). Each of the through holes 2 c extends along a thickness direction of the substrate 2 (a direction perpendicular to the first surface 2 a and the second surface 2 b), and opens to the first surface 2 a and the second surface 2 b.

The substrate 2, for example, is formed of an insulating material into the shape of a rectangular plate. The length of one side of the substrate 2 when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2, for example, is approximately several cm, and the thickness of the substrate 2, for example, is approximately 1 μm to 50 μm. The through hole 2 c, for example, is approximately in the shape of a circle when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2. The width of the through hole 2 c is 1 nm to 700 nm. The width of the through hole 2 c indicates the diameter of the through hole 2 c in a case where the through hole 2 c is approximately in the shape of a circle when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2, and indicates the diameter (an effective diameter) of a virtual maximum cylinder falling into the through hole 2 c in a case where the through hole 2 c is not approximately in the shape of a circle. A pitch between the respective through holes 2 c is 1 nm to 1000 nm. The pitch between the respective through holes 2 c indicates a center-to-center distance of the respective circles in a case where the through hole 2 c is approximately in the shape of a circle when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2, and indicates a center axis-to-center axis distance of the virtual maximum cylinder falling into the through hole 2 c in a case where the through hole 2 c is not approximately in the shape of a circle.

The frame 3 is provided on the first surface 2 a of the substrate 2. Specifically, the frame 3 is fixed to the first surface 2 a of the substrate 2 by an adhesive layer 5. It is preferable that an adhesive material having less emitted gas (for example, glass with a low melting point, a vacuum adhesive agent, and the like) is used as the material of the adhesive layer 5. The frame 3 has approximately the same outer shape as that of the substrate 2 when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2. An opening 3 a is formed in the frame 3. A portion corresponding to the opening 3 a in the substrate 2 functions as an effective region R for moving a component of a sample described below to the first surface 2 a side.

The frame 3, for example, is formed into the shape of a rectangular plate by the insulating material. The length of one side of the frame 3 when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2, for example, is approximately several cm, and the thickness of the frame 3, for example, is less than or equal to 1 mm. The opening 3 a, for example, is in the shape of a circle when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2, and in such a case, the diameter of the opening 3 a, for example, is approximately several mm to several tens of mm. By such a frame 3, the handling of the sample support body 1 is facilitated, and the deformation of the substrate 2 due to a temperature change or the like is suppressed.

The conductive layer 4 is provided on the first surface 2 a of the substrate 2. Specifically, the conductive layer 4 is formed in a region corresponding to the opening 3 a of the frame 3 on the first surface 2 a of the substrate 2 (that is, a region corresponding to the effective region R), and is continuously (integrally) formed on an inner surface of the opening 3 a, and a surface 3 b on a side opposite to the substrate 2 of the frame 3. In the effective region R, the conductive layer 4 covers a portion in which the through hole 2 c is not formed on the first surface 2 a of the substrate 2. That is, in the effective region R, each of the through holes 2 c is exposed to the opening 3 a.

The conductive layer 4 is formed of a conductive material. However, it is preferable that a metal having low affinity (reactivity) with respect to a sample S and high conductivity is used as the material of the conductive layer 4, from the following reasons.

For example, in a case where the conductive layer 4 is formed of a metal such as copper (Cu) having high affinity with respect to a sample such as protein, in a process of ionizing the sample described below, the sample is ionized in a state where Cu atoms are attached to sample molecules. Then, there is a concern that a detection result is shifted in the mass spectrometry method described below as the Cu atoms are attached. Therefore, it is preferable that a metal having low affinity with respect to the sample is used as the material of the conductive layer 4.

On the other hand, a metal easily and stably applies a constant voltage as conductivity is high. For this reason, in a case where the conductive layer 4 is formed of a metal having high conductivity, it is possible to homogeneously apply a voltage to the first surface 2 a of the substrate 2 in the effective region R. In addition, there is a tendency that a metal has high thermal conductivity as conductivity is high. For this reason, in a case where the conductive layer 4 is formed of a metal having high conductivity, it is possible to efficiently transfer the energy of laser light that is applied to the substrate 2 to the sample through the conductive layer 4. Therefore, it is preferable that a metal having high conductivity is used as the material of the conductive layer 4.

From the viewpoint described above, for example, it is preferable that gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and the like are used as the material of the conductive layer 4. The conductive layer 4, for example, is formed to have a thickness of approximately 1 nm to 350 nm by a plating method, an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method, a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, and the like. Furthermore, for example, chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), titanium (Ti), and the like may be used as the material of the conductive layer 4.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an enlarged image of the substrate 2 when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2. In FIG. 3, a black portion is the through hole 2 c, and a white portion is a partition portion between the through holes 2 c. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of through holes 2 c having an approximately constant width are uniformly formed on the substrate 2. It is preferable that an opening rate of the through holes 2 c in the effective region R (a ratio of all of the through holes 2 c to the effective region R when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2) is practically 10% to 80%, and is particularly 60% to 80%. The sizes of the plurality of through holes 2 c may be uneven with each other, and the plurality of through holes 2 c may be partially connected to each other.

The substrate 2 illustrated in FIG. 3 is an alumina porous film that is formed by performing anodic oxidation with respect to aluminum (Al). Specifically, an anodic oxidation treatment is performed with respect to an Al substrate, and a surface portion that is oxidized is peeled off from the Al substrate, and thus, it is possible to obtain the substrate 2. Furthermore, the substrate 2 may be formed by performing anodic oxidation with respect to a valve metal other than Al, such as tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb), titanium (Ti), hafnium (Hf), zirconium (Zr), zinc (Zn), tungsten (W), bismuth (Bi), and antimony (Sb), or may be formed by performing anodic oxidation with respect to silicon (Si).

Next, the laser desorption/ionization method and the mass spectrometry method of the first embodiment in which the sample support body 1 is used will be described. In FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, the through hole 2 c, the conductive layer 4, and the adhesive layer 5 in the sample support body 1 are not illustrated. In addition, for the convenience of illustration, a dimensional ratio or the like is different between the sample support body 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and the sample support body 1 illustrated in FIG. 4 to FIG. 6.

First, the sample support body 1 described above is prepared (a first step). The sample support body 1 may be prepared by being produced by a person who carries out the laser desorption/ionization method and the mass spectrometry method, or may be prepared by being acquired from a producer, a seller, or the like of the sample support body 1.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 4(a), the sample S that is a mass spectrometry target is mounted on a mounting surface 6 a of a glass slide (a mounting portion) 6 (a second step). The glass slide 6 is a glass substrate on which a transparent conductive film such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) film is formed, and in the glass slide 6, the surface of the transparent conductive film is the mounting surface 6 a. Furthermore, not only the glass slide 6 but also a member that is capable of ensuring conductivity (for example, a substrate or the like formed of a metal material, such as stainless steel, or the like) can be used as the mounting portion. Subsequently, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 4, the sample support body 1 is disposed on the sample S such that the second surface 2 b is in contact with the sample S (the second step). At this time, the sample S is disposed in the effective region R when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2. Here, the sample S, for example, is a thin film-like biological sample such as a tissue slice. The sample S is a dried sample. In addition, in order to smoothly move a component S1 of the sample S (refer to FIG. 6), a solution for decreasing the viscosity of the component S1 (for example, an acetonitrile mixed liquid or the like) may be mixed with the sample S. Subsequently, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 5, the sample support body 1 is fixed to the glass slide 6, in a state where the second surface 2 b of the substrate 2 is in contact with the sample S. At this time, the sample support body 1 is fixed to the glass slide 6 by a tape 7 having conductivity (for example, a carbon tape or the like).

Subsequently, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 5, a matrix solution 81 is introduced into the plurality of through holes 2 c of the sample support body 1 (refer to FIG. 2) (a third step). Specifically, the matrix solution 81, for example, is dropped with respect to the plurality of through holes 2 c from the first surface 2 a side of the sample support body 1 by a pipette 8. The matrix solution 81 is dropped into approximately the entire region of the effective region R to reach the entire region of the sample S. More preferably, the matrix solution 81, for example, is applied with respect to the plurality of through holes 2 c from the first surface 2 a side of the sample support body 1 with approximately a uniform amount by an air brush or the like. The matrix solution 81 is moved towards the second surface 2 b side from the first surface 2 a side of the sample support body 1 through each of the through holes 2 c. Then, the matrix solution 81 is mixed with the sample S that is in contact with the second surface 2 b of the sample support body 1 in each of the through holes 2 c. The matrix solution 81 may be prepared by being produced by a person who carries out the laser desorption/ionization method and the mass spectrometry method, or may be prepared by being acquired from a producer, a seller, or the like of the matrix solution 81.

The matrix solution 81 is a solution containing a matrix. The matrix solution 81, for example, is a solution that is prepared by dissolving 10 mg of a matrix in 1 ml of acetonitrile, or the like. The matrix is an organic compound that absorbs laser light. The matrix, for example, is a 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) or the like.

As illustrated in (a) of FIG. 6, in each of the through holes 2 c, the component S1 of the sample S is mixed with the matrix solution 81 that is moved to the second surface 2 b side of the sample support body 1, and is moved towards the first surface 2 a side from the second surface 2 b side of the sample support body 1 through each of the through holes 2 c. Then, a mixture S2 of the component S1 and the matrix solution 81 is accumulated on the first surface 2 a side of the sample support body 1 in each of the through holes 2 c by a surface tension.

Subsequently, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 6, the glass slide 6, the sample support body 1, and the sample S are mounted on a support portion 12 of a mass spectrometry device 10 (for example, a stage), in a state where the sample S is disposed between the glass slide 6 and the sample support body 1. Subsequently, a voltage is applied to the conductive layer 4 of the sample support body 1 (refer to FIG. 2) through the mounting surface 6 a of the glass slide 6 and the tape 7 by a voltage application unit 14 of the mass spectrometry device 10 (a fourth step). Subsequently, the first surface 2 a of the substrate 2 is irradiated with laser light L through the opening 3 a of the frame 3 by a laser light irradiation unit 13 of the mass spectrometry device 10 (the fourth step). That is, the laser light L is applied to a region corresponding to the opening 3 a of the frame 3 on the first surface 2 a of the substrate 2 (that is, a region corresponding to the effective region R). Here, the laser light irradiation unit 13 scans the region corresponding to the effective region R with the laser light L. Furthermore, the scanning of the laser light L with respect to the region corresponding to the effective region R can be carried out by operating at least one of the support portion 12 and the laser light irradiation unit 13.

As described above, the first surface 2 a of the substrate 2 is irradiated with the laser light L while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer 4, the component S1 that is moved to the first surface 2 a side of the substrate 2 is ionized, and a sample ion S3 (the component S1 that is ionized) is emitted (the fourth step). Specifically, the conductive layer 4 (refer to FIG. 2), and the matrix in the matrix solution 81 that is moved to the first surface 2 a side of the substrate 2 along with the component S1 absorb the energy of the laser light L. The matrix is gasified along with the component S1 by the energy. Then, a proton or a cation is added to the molecules of the component S1 that is gasified, and thus, the gasified component S1 becomes the sample ion S3. The first step to the fourth step described above correspond to the laser desorption/ionization method using the sample support body 1.

The sample ion S3 that is emitted is moved towards a ground electrode (not illustrated) that is provided between the sample support body 1 and an ion detection unit 15 while being accelerated. That is, the sample ion S3 is moved towards the ground electrode while being accelerated by a potential difference that occurs between the conductive layer 4 to which a voltage is applied and the ground electrode. Then, the sample ion S3 is detected by the ion detection unit 15 of the mass spectrometry device 10 (a fifth step). Here, the ion detection unit 15 detects the sample ion S3 to correspond to a scanning position of the laser light L. Accordingly, it is possible to image a two-dimensional distribution of the molecules configuring the sample S. Furthermore, here, the mass spectrometry device 10 is a scanning mass spectrometry device using a time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) method. The first step to the fifth step described above correspond to the mass spectrometry method using the sample support body 1.

As described above, in the laser desorption/ionization method of the first embodiment, the sample support body 1 is disposed on the sample S, and the matrix solution 81 is introduced into the plurality of through holes 2 c. The matrix solution 81 is moved to the second surface 2 b side from the first surface 2 a side through each of the through holes 2 c, and is mixed with the component S1 of the sample S. The component S1 is mixed with the matrix solution 81, and is moved to the first surface 2 a side from the second surface 2 b side through each of the through holes 2 c. Then, in a case where the first surface 2 a is irradiated with the laser light L while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer 4, the energy is transmitted to the component S1 that is moved to the first surface 2 a side. Accordingly, the component S1 is ionized. In the laser desorption/ionization method, the component S1 is ionized by being mixed with the matrix solution 81, and thus, it is possible to reliably ionize the component S1 of the high-molecular-weight sample S. In addition, the component S1 is moved to the first surface 2 a side through the plurality of through holes 2 c. For this reason, in the component S1 that is moved to the first surface 2 a side of the substrate 2, position information of the sample S (two-dimensional distribution information of the molecules configuring the sample S) is maintained. In such a state, the first surface 2 a of the substrate 2 is irradiated with the laser light L while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer 4, and thus, the component S1 of the sample S is ionized while the position information of the sample S is maintained. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a resolution of an image in imaging mass spectrometry. As described above, according to the laser desorption/ionization method, it is possible to ionize the high-molecular-weight sample S and to improve the resolution of the image in the imaging mass spectrometry.

In addition, in the laser desorption/ionization method of the first embodiment, in the third step, the matrix solution 81 is dropped with respect to the plurality of through holes 2 c from the first surface 2 a side. In this case, it is possible to easily introduce the matrix solution 81 to each of the through holes 2 c.

In addition, in the laser desorption/ionization method of the first embodiment, the sample S is the dried sample. In the laser desorption/ionization method, the component S1 of the sample S is mixed with the matrix solution 81 and is moved, and thus, even in a case where the sample S is the dried sample, it is possible to smoothly move the component S1.

According to the mass spectrometry method of the first embodiment, it is possible to perform imaging mass spectrometry in which the high-molecular-weight sample S can be ionized, and the resolution of the image can be improved.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a result according to a mass spectrometry method of a comparative example. In the comparative example, the sample support body 1 was used, but the matrix solution 81 was not used, and a two-dimensional distribution of a molecular weight of a dried brain slice of a mouse (the sample S) was imaged. As illustrated in (a) of FIG. 7, in the mass spectrometry method of the comparative example, it was not possible to obtain an ion image of phosphatide. Furthermore, in (a) of FIG. 7, an outline L1 of the sample S is represented by a virtual line. In addition, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 7, in the mass spectrometry method of the comparative example, it was not possible to obtain a signal of the phosphatide.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a result according to a mass spectrometry method of an example. In the example, the sample support body 1 and the matrix solution 81 (a DHB matrix) were used, and as with the comparative example, a two-dimensional distribution of a molecular weight of a dried brain slice of a mouse (the sample S) was imaged. As illustrated in (a) of FIG. 8, in the mass spectrometry method of the example, it was possible to obtain an ion image of phosphatide. Furthermore, in (a) of FIG. 8, an outline L2 of the sample S is represented by a virtual line. In addition, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 8, in the mass spectrometry method of the example, it was possible to obtain a signal of the phosphatide.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a result according to a mass spectrometry method of another example. In another example, the sample support body 1 and the matrix solution 81 (the DHB matrix) were used, and a two-dimensional distribution of a molecular weight of a dried liver slice of a mouse (the sample S) was imaged. As illustrated in (a) of FIG. 9, in the mass spectrometry method of another example, it was possible to obtain an ion image of phosphatide. Furthermore, in (a) of FIG. 9, an outline L3 of the sample S is represented by a virtual line. In addition, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 9, in the mass spectrometry method of the example, it was possible to obtain a signal of the phosphatide.

In addition, in the mass spectrometry method of the example and another example, the width of each of the through holes 2 c was 1 nm to 700 nm, and thus, it was possible to obtain sufficient signal intensity with respect to a high-molecular-weight sample.

Second Embodiment

Next, a laser desorption/ionization method and a mass spectrometry method of a second embodiment in which the sample support body 1 is used will be described. The laser desorption/ionization method and the mass spectrometry method of the second embodiment are mainly different from the laser desorption/ionization method and the mass spectrometry method of the first embodiment in that the matrix solution 81 is introduced into the through hole 2 c of the sample support body 1, and then, the sample support body 1 into which the matrix solution 81 is introduced is disposed on the sample S. That is, in the laser desorption/ionization method and the mass spectrometry method of the second embodiment, the orders of the second step and the third step of the laser desorption/ionization method and the mass spectrometry method of the first embodiment are changed. In the laser desorption/ionization method and the mass spectrometry method of the second embodiment, the others are the same as the laser desorption/ionization method and the mass spectrometry method of the first embodiment, and thus, the detailed description will be omitted. In FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the through hole 2 c, the conductive layer 4, and the adhesive layer 5 in the sample support body 1 are not illustrated. In addition, for the convenience of illustration, a dimensional ratio or the like is different between the sample support body 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and the sample support body 1 illustrated in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.

First, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 10, the sample support body 1 described above is prepared (a first step). Subsequently, the matrix solution 81 is introduced into the plurality of through holes 2 c of the sample support body 1 (refer to FIG. 2) (a second step). Specifically, the matrix solution 81, for example, is dropped with respect to the plurality of through holes 2 c from the first surface 2 a of the sample support body 1 by the pipette 8. The matrix solution 81 is dropped into approximately the entire region of the effective region R. More preferably, the matrix solution 81, for example, is applied with respect to the plurality of through holes 2 c from the first surface 2 a side of the sample support body 1 with approximately a uniform amount by an air brush or the like. The matrix solution 81 is moved towards the second surface 2 b side from the first surface 2 a side of the sample support body 1 through each of the through holes 2 c. Each of the through holes 2 c is filled with the matrix solution 81.

Subsequently, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 10, the sample S is mounted on the mounting surface 6 a of the glass slide 6 (a third step). Subsequently, as illustrated in (a) of FIG. 11, the sample support body 1 is disposed on the sample S such that the second surface 2 b is in contact with the sample S (the third step). Subsequently, as illustrated in (b) of FIG. 11, as with the first embodiment, the sample support body 1 is fixed to the glass slide 6 by the tape 7. The matrix solution 81 in each of the through holes 2 c is mixed with the sample S that is in contact with the second surface 2 b of the sample support body 1 in each of the through holes 2 c. In each of the through holes 2 c, the component S of the sample S is mixed with the matrix solution 81, and is moved towards the first surface 2 a side from the second surface 2 b side of the sample support body 1 through each of the through holes 2 c. Then, a mixture S2 of the component S1 and the matrix solution 81 is accumulated on the first surface 2 a side of the sample support body 1 in each of the through holes 2 c by a surface tension.

Subsequently, as with the first embodiment (refer to (b) of FIG. 6), the first surface 2 a of the sample support body 1 is irradiated with the laser light L by the laser light irradiation unit 13 while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer 4 (refer to FIG. 2) by the voltage application unit 14, in a state where the sample S is disposed between the glass slide 6 and the sample support body 1. Accordingly, the component S1 that is moved to the first surface 2 a side of the substrate 2 is ionized, and the sample ion S3 (the component S1 that is ionized) is emitted (a fourth step).

Then, as with the first embodiment, the sample ion S3 is detected by the ion detection unit 15 of the mass spectrometry device 10 (a fifth step). Furthermore, the laser desorption/ionization method of the second embodiment includes each of the steps from the first step to the fourth step described above. The mass spectrometry method of the second embodiment includes each of the steps from the first step to the fifth step described above.

As described above, in the laser desorption/ionization method of the second embodiment, the sample support body 1 in which the matrix solution 81 is introduced into the plurality of through holes 2 c is disposed on the sample S. The component S1 of the sample S is mixed with the matrix solution 81, and is moved to the first surface 2 a side from the second surface 2 b side through each of the through holes 2 c. According to the laser desorption/ionization method of the second embodiment, as with the laser desorption/ionization method of the first embodiment described above, it is possible to ionize the high-molecular-weight sample S and to improve a resolution of an image in imaging mass spectrometry.

In addition, in the laser desorption/ionization method of the second embodiment, in the second step, the matrix solution 81 is dropped with respect to the plurality of through holes 2 c from the first surface 2 a side. In this case, it is possible to easily introduce the matrix solution 81 into each of the through holes 2 c.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. In each of the embodiments, for example, the conductive layer 4 may not be provided on the second surface 2 b of the substrate 2 and the inner surface of the through hole 2 c insofar as the conductive layer 4 is provided on at least first surface 2 a of the substrate 2. In addition, the conductive layer 4 may be provided on the second surface 2 b of the substrate 2 and the inner surface of the through hole 2 c. In addition, the sample support body 1 may be fixed to the glass slide 6 by means other than the tape 7 (for example, means using an adhesive agent, a fixing tool, or the like).

In addition, in the fourth step of each of the embodiments, a voltage may be applied to the conductive layer 4 without the mounting surface 6 a of the glass slide 6 and the tape 7. In this case, the glass slide 6 and the tape 7 may not have conductivity. In addition, the substrate 2 may have conductivity, and in the fourth step, a voltage may be applied to the substrate 2. In this case, it is possible to omit the conductive layer 4 from the sample support body 1, and to obtain the same effect as that in the case of using the sample support body 1 including the conductive layer 4 as described above.

In addition, in each of the embodiments, in the mass spectrometry device 10, the region corresponding to the effective region R may be irradiated with the laser light L by the laser light irradiation unit 13 at one time, and the sample ion S3 may be detected by the ion detection unit 15 while two-dimensional information of the region is maintained. That is, the mass spectrometry device 10 may be a stigmatic mass spectrometry device.

In addition, the laser desorption/ionization method of each of the embodiments described above can be used not only in the imaging mass spectrometry in which the two-dimensional distribution of the molecules configuring the sample S is imaged, but also in other measurements and tests such as ion mobility measurement.

In addition, in the second embodiment, an example has been described in which in the second step, the matrix solution 81 is dropped with respect to the plurality of through holes 2 c from the first surface 2 a, but the matrix solution 81 may be dropped with respect to the plurality of through holes 2 c from the second surface 2 b. In addition, in the second embodiment, in the second step, the sample support body 1 may be dipped in the matrix solution 81. In any case, it is possible to easily introduce the matrix solution 81 to each of the through holes 2 c.

In addition, in each of the embodiments, an example has been described in which the opening 3 a of the frame 3 is in the shape of a circle when seen from the thickness direction of the substrate 2, but the opening 3 a may be in various shapes. The opening 3 a of the frame 3, for example, may be in the shape of a rectangle.

In addition, in each of the embodiments, an example has been described in which the sample S is the dried sample, but the sample S may be an aqueous sample.

In addition, in each of the embodiments, an example has been described in which the sample S is mounted on the glass slide 6, but the sample S may be directly mounted on the support portion 12 of the mass spectrometry device 10. At this time, the support portion 12 of the mass spectrometry device 10 corresponds to the glass slide 6.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: sample support body, 2: substrate, 2 a: first surface, 2 b: second surface, 2 c: through hole, 4: conductive layer, 6: glass slide (mounting portion), 6 a: mounting surface, 81: matrix solution, L: laser light, S: sample, S1: component. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A laser desorption/ionization method, comprising: a first step of preparing a sample support body including a substrate on which a plurality of through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface facing each other are formed, and a conductive layer provided on at least the first surface; a second step of mounting a sample on a mounting surface of a mounting portion, and of disposing the sample support body on the sample such that the second surface is in contact with the sample; a third step of introducing a matrix solution into the plurality of through holes; and a fourth step of ionizing a component of the sample that is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through the through hole by irradiating the first surface with laser light while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer, in a state in which the sample is disposed between the mounting portion and the sample support body.
 2. The laser desorption/ionization method according to claim 1, wherein in the third step, the matrix solution is dropped with respect to the plurality of through holes from the first surface side.
 3. The laser desorption/ionization method according to claim 1, wherein the sample is a dried sample.
 4. A mass spectrometry method, comprising: each of the steps of the laser desorption/ionization method according to claim 1; and a fifth step of detecting the component that is ionized in the fourth step.
 5. A laser desorption/ionization method, comprising: a first step of preparing a sample support body including a substrate on which a plurality of through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface facing each other are formed, and a conductive layer provided on at least the first surface; a second step of introducing a matrix solution into the plurality of through holes; a third step of mounting a sample on a mounting surface of a mounting portion, and of disposing the sample support body on the sample such that the second surface is in contact with the sample; and a fourth step of ionizing a component of the sample that is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through the through hole by irradiating the first surface with laser light while a voltage is applied to the conductive layer, in a state in which the sample is disposed between the mounting portion and the sample support body.
 6. The laser desorption/ionization method according to claim 5, wherein in the second step, the matrix solution is dropped with respect to the plurality of through holes from the first surface side or the second surface side.
 7. The laser desorption/ionization method according to claim 5, wherein in the second step, the sample support body is dipped in the matrix solution.
 8. The laser desorption/ionization method according to claim 5, wherein the sample is a dried sample.
 9. A mass spectrometry method, comprising: each of the steps of the laser desorption/ionization method according to claim 5; and a fifth step of detecting the component that is ionized in the fourth step.
 10. A laser desorption/ionization method, comprising: a first step of preparing a sample support body including a substrate having conductivity on which a plurality of through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface facing each other are formed; a second step of mounting a sample on a mounting surface of a mounting portion, and of disposing the sample support body on the sample such that the second surface is in contact with the sample; a third step of introducing a matrix solution into the plurality of through holes; and a fourth step of ionizing a component of the sample that is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through the through hole by irradiating the first surface with laser light while a voltage is applied to the substrate, in a state in which the sample is disposed between the mounting portion and the sample support body.
 11. A mass spectrometry method, comprising: each of the steps of the laser desorption/ionization method according to claim 10; and a fifth step of detecting the component that is ionized in the fourth step.
 12. A laser desorption/ionization method, comprising: a first step of preparing a sample support body including a substrate having conductivity on which a plurality of through holes opening to a first surface and a second surface facing each other are formed; a second step of introducing a matrix solution into the plurality of through holes; a third step of mounting a sample on a mounting surface of a mounting portion, and of disposing the sample support body on the sample such that the second surface is in contact with the sample; and a fourth step of ionizing a component of the sample that is mixed with the matrix solution and is moved to the first surface side from the second surface side through the through hole by irradiating the first surface with laser light while a voltage is applied to the substrate, in a state in which the sample is disposed between the mounting portion and the sample support body.
 13. A mass spectrometry method, comprising: each of the steps of the laser desorption/ionization method according to claim 12; and a fifth step of detecting the component that is ionized in the fourth step. 